The optimal dose of iron dextran in piglets: 100 mg vs. 200 mg

When it comes to raising healthy piglets, early life care is crucial. One of the most common practices in pig farming is administering an iron dextran injection to newborn piglets. This practice addresses a common problem: Piglets are born with low iron reserves and rapidly deplete the iron they receive from sow’s milk.

Without intervention, piglets can suffer from iron deficiency anemia, leading to poor growth, reduced immunity, and increased mortality. However, there is ongoing debate in the swine industry about the optimal dosage of iron dextran for piglets — 100 mg or 200 mg.